CARVEDILOL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Coreg

GENERIC NAME(S): CARVEDILOL

 

Description: Carvedilol is a non selective β-adrenergic blocking agent which causes vasodilation nad reduces total peripheral resistance.

Carvedilol, an alpha and beta blocker, treats high blood pressure and heart failure by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body on the heart and blood vessels. It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival if your heart is not pumping well. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

This medication may also be used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).

How to use carvedilol

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking carvedilol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, or you have worsening symptoms of heart failure like increased shortness of breath).

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • diarrhea
  • impotence
  • tiredness

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • very slow heartbeat
  • severe dizziness
  • fainting
  • unusual weakness
  • change in the amount of urine
  • numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
  • blue fingers/toes
  • easy bruising/bleeding
  • mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression)
  • seizures

Although this medication may be used to treat heart failure, some people may rarely develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, especially at the start of carvedilol treatment.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

  • Allergic reaction to this medication.
  • Patients with medical history of:
    • certain types of heartbeat/heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block)
    • breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
    • severe heart failure requiring hospitalization
    • liver disease
    • kidney disease
    • blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud’s disease, peripheral vascular disease)
    • serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine
    • overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
    • a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma)
    • other heart problems (such as Prinzmetal’s variant angina)
    • a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
    • certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)
  • Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
  • May prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia).
  • People who wear contact lenses may have dry eyes.
  • Tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
  • Older adults may be more sensitive to dizziness and lightheadedness.
  • This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Fingolimod may interact with this drug.

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure/heart rate or worsen your heart failure. Ask your pharmacist for more details.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations).

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

Have your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney and liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Betacard [ GXI ]
  • Cardipres [ ACME ]
  • Carvenal [ Shin Poong ]
  • Carvid [ Therapharma ]
  • Dilatrend [ Roche ]
  • Duobloc [ Littman ]
  • Karvil 6.25/Karvil 12.5/Karvil 25 [ Torrent ]
  • RiteMED Carvedilol [ RiteMED ]
  • Sandoz Carvedilol [ Sandoz ]
  • Vasolexin [ Korea United Pharma ]
  • Xicard [ Getz Pharma ]

Also marketed as

  • Cardilol 12.5 [ Trianon ]
  • Cardilol 6.25/Cardilol 25 [ Gracio Med ]
  • Carvidol [ Davi Pharm ]
  • Dilapres [ ACME ]
  • Psicardiol [ Pfizer Parke Davis ]

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